A new type of "inverse vaccine" has been developed by researchers at the University of Chicagos Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering to completely reverse autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes without shutting down the rest of the immune system.

The vaccine, which was reported in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, makes use of the livers inherent ability to signal chemicals from decomposed cells as "do not attack" in order to stop autoimmune reactions to cells that naturally expire.

The scientists combined an antigen—a molecule that the immune system is attacking—with a molecule that resembled a piece of an old cell, which the liver would view as a friend rather than an adversary.  The autoimmune response linked to a condition that is similar to multiple sclerosis was successfully halted by the vaccination.

Experts emphasized that this research demonstrates the potential to address conditions such as multiple sclerosis even during ongoing inflammation, making it more applicable in real-world scenarios. 

Based on this preclinical research, first phase I safety studies of antigen treatment have already been completed in celiac disease patients and the phase I safety trials in multiple sclerosis are now under progress. 

Although there are currently no clinically approved inverse vaccines, experts are highly enthusiastic about the progress being made in this technology.

(Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/new-inverse-vaccine-shows-potential-to-treat-multiple-sclerosis-and-type-1-diabetes-says-study-101696233842694.html